Band Students,
Now that we have started working on some concert pieces I want you to start listening to different music for style. This blog post will be two-fold... First, for your assignment I would like you to search youtube for a video that demonstrates the following;
For Concert Band, find an example of a piece of mixed meter music, explain what is similar or different about the piece you found with Metrix. What is enjoyable to listen to or entertaining about mixed meter music and if this is the first time you have experienced mixed meter music what do you think about playing in 5/4? Please post your initial response by Wednesday night at 11:59 PM. Please respond and ask questions to start a conversation with at least one of your other peers for a second blog grade by Sunday night at 11:59 PM. If I were in concert band while you can't embed videos it might look like this. (Please find another example).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwNrmYRiX_o
Dave Brubek's Take 5 is an example of mixed meter as it is in 5/4 with an eighth, quarter, eighth, quarter, quarter beat in the bass line that is continuous throughout the piece of music.
This playing of 5/4 is very relaxed and jazzy, you can't help but move your feet to it.
For Symphonic Band, for your assignment you should search youtube for a clip that demonstrates a good performance of atonal or 20th century music. Please post a link and conduct a little bit of research on your piece/composer and share an item or two you did not know about 20th century music in your post. Please post your initial response by Wednesday night at 11:59 PM. Please respond and ask questions to start a conversation with at least one of your other peers for a second blog grade by Sunday night at 11:59 PM.
If I were in symphonic band my post might look like the following (please use another example);
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syzb7AEzEbA&feature=related
Persichetti's music draws on a plethora of styles from American composers from Schoenberg to Copland. His own style was marked by use of two elements he refers to as "graceful" and "gritty": the former being more lyrical and melodic, the latter being sharp and intensely rhythmic. He frequently used polytonality (more than two keys at a time) and pandiatonicism (using notes in the major scale regardless of chord function) This trend continued throughout his compositional career. His music lacked sharp changes in style over time. He frequently composed in his car, sometimes taping staff paper to the steering wheel, while this is not recommended, he obviously mastered this skill.
Happy Blogging,
Mr. Ames
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I found a piece of music that is very fast compared to Metrix that we are playing. On the other hand it shares a couple similarities like the some of the changes in tempo and the rising of the music during the song. I enjoy the changes in tempo during the song and the quality if the music
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATOcjUtfQ7s
ReplyDeleteSchoenberg: Pierrot Lunaire, Op. 21, Movement 18
Arnold Schoenberg created the twelve-note technique. This method requires that the notes of the chromatic scale be used equally throughout a composition, without any single note being emphasized. Because of this, the pieces aren't set in any particular key. Pierrot Lunaire, Op. 21, 1912 is one of Schoenberg's more influential works, and the vocalist and five musician ensemble has been appropriately dubbed the "Pierrot ensemble". Schoenberg participated in the German expressionist movement, and he later moved to the U.S. in 1934.
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ReplyDeletehttp://youtu.be/lOJqicM6x84
ReplyDeleteMind Heist by Zack Hemsey
The Piece of music I found was a recent piece featured in the movie inception. The song starts of slow and begins to build adding each section slowly over time then with a "falling" sound the whole orchestra comes in and tears it up with an awesome display of music. my favorite part is when the horns do their duhhh thing. This has absolutely nothing to do with the piece we are palying.
Ian Pappas
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqlkgtZ8GI8
This piece (October Night) is a fairly new piece by Michael Burritt, the percussion professor at Eastman School of Music. This was written in the 1990s, so just at the beginning of the atonal period. This can be heard very clearly because the the music often goes in-between very melodic and extremely atonal. This was one of Michael Burritt's first compositions. He was really experimenting with "atonality." In the midst of all the chaos that is this piece, Professor Burritt wanted to create an overlying melodic theme. If you listen closely, you can hear an overlying melodic line throughout all the atonal music. My favorite part is the beginning, because of how ominous and expectant it is!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXi23tmzuBo
ReplyDeleteThe Forest Battle
John Williams
This piece was written for Star Wars Episode VI Return of the Jedi. As we listen to the piece, clearly the atonality sets in at the beginning, and continues leading up to the massive chords at 2:54. The key and even the emotion switch rapidly back and forth, a characteristic of much of his music. The reason for these mood changes is the different scene change, such as when the Ewoks come in at 1:06. Williams not only has written for many famous movie pieces, but also has written an Olympic theme and many concert pieces as well. He is a truly universal artist, and set the example for all movie music today. Listening to the compositions from the Dark Knight or Inception by Hans Zimmer, it is clear that another great artist took his style from the master. True music is capturing emotions in a composition, and this was John Williams' aim. Williams is second on the all time list for Academy Awards, just behind Walt Disney, showing the power and influence on music in the 20th century culture.
A prolific 20th century composer I chose was George Gershwin. He was composing and playing music influenced by jazz during the early 1900's, the heyday if the iconic American genre. His music featured flying clarinets, ridiculous piano arpeggios, and a powerful "big band" sound. However, he also wrote contrasting, moving, symphonic music. A great example of both of his musical styles in the same piece is Rhapsody in Blue, one of his most famous compositions.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1U40xBSz6Dc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Qf7aoJoXn4
ReplyDeleteBabar the Elephant by Francis Poulenc (1899-1963)
Poulenc was given the name “half monk, half delinquent” early on, and it stuck with him for the rest of his career. As this piece shows, there is quite a bit of tonality in his music, yet every once in a while Poulenc is said to use pandiatonicism, chromatically altered chords, and 12-tone rows which made him a "delinquent." These new features are characteristic of the 20th-century, but I liked this piece because it still has a lyrical melody which I sometimes find that 20th-century music lacks – this is why he was half monk. I found out that this change in the 20th-century was because music went from concert hall performances to, in Poulenc’s case, Parisian halls in which the rules could be stretched. Do you guys associate 20th-century music with pieces that don’t sound as pretty like I did?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MufORSL68v0
ReplyDeleteSo this is a full orchestrial version of Pirates of the Caribbean composed by Klaus Badelt. It is also a mixed meter piece and the two [Metrix and Pirates] have strikingly similar characteristics. For example, in both of the tunes the use of mixed meter completely changes the melody to essentially create a completely new song within the piece. The two also both used mix meter to generate the allusion of a tempo change without actually altering the speed itself. By implementing mixed meter in the pieces, it also adds a complex effect to the music and makes it more interesting to listen to.
It is very interesting listening and playing in 5/4. When playing in 5/4, it can be challenging at first but eventually it becomes very entertaining to play in a strange, new meter. When listening to music in 5/4, it can be difficult to notice initially [if played correctly] and exciting to listen to.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_TU_qPV-YI
ReplyDeleteThis piece "Upstart" was composed and performed by John Serry, Sr. This work was done later in his career as a musician/composer. He wrote and performed music since the 1930s. Serry was primarily a pianist and liked to work with jazz music later in his career such as "Upstart". As with most jazz, the composition is not incredibly detailed in this piece. He wrote it to be open for improvisation. His piece often switches from a "disoriented" improv section to a unified ensemble figure. I was interested to see how Serry's musical interests changed as the world's musical interests changed as well. Serry composed and performed throughout half a century that changed music taste frequently, yet his music tended to stay popular throughout the evolution of music in the 1900s. Do you think other composers adapted to the musical changes of the 20th century as well as Serry was able to?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXTN7rzJmuM
ReplyDeleteThis song is Where Never Lark or Eagle Flew. We played this song in concert band a few years back and everyone enjoyed it. It was composed by James Curnow. His inspiration was a poem by a WWII pilot. The feeling of flying can be felt in this song because it feels very majestic. 20th century music is different from older works because of new rhythms and melodies. This song really captures the peom he is tring to portray, making this song a great example of 20th century music.
For concert band I found that a song called River Man, a moody folk lament that is inhanced by its 5/4 time. Also did you know that Peter tchaikovsky's music was about his own life and had a sad tone in a few of them.
ReplyDeleteI chose a fairly new composition called Chorale and Presto By Richard L. Saucedo. In this interesting piece, Saucedo uses several different musical styles to make his piece unique. One of these styles includes mixed meter. The song starts off with a slow tempo but builds up until it ends with a powerful finish. Listening to a song with mixed meter is interesting because it is not ordinary and I don't usually expect it.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdjG7HJIe3U&feature=related
ReplyDeleteArthur Bliss - A Colour Symphony-Purple
I found Arthur Bliss's Colour Symphony and chose the "Red" piece. Arthur Bliss was a sort of "old school" 20th century composer who many people during his time thought his music was too "old sounding". One day, Bliss came across a book that explained the symbolic meanings of the colors and he thought that it would be a unique idea to write a work about colors. In the symphony, There is Purple, Red, Blue and Green. Red, the part that I chose, is very glittering, spiky and has a percussive scherzo, reminiscent of Stravinsky. The style of this part of the piece was meant to convey the thoughts of Rubies, Wine, Revelry, Furnaces, Courage and Magic. Although Bliss was known as being old fashioned, he did use very new techniques in his Symphony of Colours. None before him had ever thought of such a concept. Do you think that other 20th century composers were thought of as being "old fashioned" like Bliss?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk4goNqMdwE
ReplyDelete15 Step by Radiohead
I had heard of this song before, and I thought the beat was unusually. The beat is in 5/4 time and I think the drums define that. It feels a little old school but the drums make it a little bit for spunkier.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLHj-eekdNU
ReplyDeleteTchaikovsky Symphony Number 4 Movement Four
The piece I have found is Tchaikovsky's symphony number 4, the fourth movement. it is very melodic and the violins stand out a lot. All of the instruments have solos to show their tonal and technical abilities. At parts they decrescendo very much where you almost cannot hear them and the composer uses the "surprise effect". This piece is played by the CSO, who I think is very outstanding in this video.
I am a little sketchy as to what the assignment is asking but I'll give it my best shot.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdJDPepGOAM
Hurricane
30 seconds to Mars.
I believe this song does contain a fair amount of mixed meter. Either way if you've never heard of the band, i highly recommend it. It's probably different from the music that most of you listen to, but the pieces are truly incredible. The music is beautiful in that it has so many overlapping parts. I also think it clearly shows all the things displayed in our music, while still being a fairly well known group. I very highly recommend taking the time to look up and listen to some of their songs, i think it will help you to make connections to band pieces as well as just being plain enjoyable.
As for 5/4 time, i have not played it much in the past, but i am open to, and rather looking forward to it.
Smiles and Frogs,
John Pasquesi :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NbRmz8iIvA
ReplyDelete“American Barndance” by Richard Saucedo is a very interesting piece that provides a variety of sounds. It is similar to “Metrix” in the way it highlights every section of the band and has sections with juxtaposing grooves. The beginning of “Metrix” has a distinctive groove that is repeated, just like the beginning of “American Barndance.” They both break off into a very different section towards the middle, where the meter changes, also. Although they are similar, I feel that “American Barndance” is more stylistic and differs greatly from the jazzy feel at the beginning of “Metrix.” “American Barndance” is rushed and makes the listener want to get up on their feet. Both songs are very enjoyable because they have a fun feeling. They also have an energetic beat that keeps the listeners on their toes. It is hard to predict which path songs like “American Barndance” will take due to the vast differences between sections. Mixed meter songs can sometimes feel like a completely different song within the piece, but in the case of most songs will alter between the sections. The songs often change dynamics when the meter changes, as seen in “American Barndance.” Do you think this is true?
NOOOOOOOOOOO! Just realized i did the wrong assignment, so here we go again.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG-3XqcXbbE
I melt with you
By: Modern English
Modern English is composed of Robbie Grey, Gary McDowell, Michael Conroy, Richard Brown,and Stephen Walker.I heard this song a lot when i was younger, and it has always fascinated me- i think it is an excellent piece and it is one of my favorites. I also did not realize how much WW1 and WW2 affected the music of that time period.
Smiles and Frogs(Again),
John Pasquesi :)
Alexander Nikolayevich Scriabin was a Russian composer in the 20th century. Scriabin influenced composers like Roy Agnew, Sergei Prokofiev, Nikolai Roslavets and Igor Stravinsky. He was one of the most innovative and most controversial of early modern composers. Interestingly, he he created a color system in accordacne with the circle of fifths, combining the circle with the color wheel.
ReplyDeleteThis piece did sound very unusual and atonal, unlike the music I am used to hearing. I agree with Mary Grace, in that I often associated 20th ccentury music as sounding not very pretty, but i did enjoy this Scriabin piece and thought it sounded nice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sS5f_f7_7xs&feature=fvwrel
Scriabin Etude Op.8 No.11
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JWjOuFH4bU
ReplyDelete"America", the theme song from West Side Story, is in 6/8 and 3/4. It is easy to slip between the two meter signatures, since they are almost the same. It is also very fast, so it gets your blood moving. "America" is a very catchy song too, because it is fast and many people know it from the movie. Like parts of Metrix, the meters shift between the two different meter signatures. The piano keeps "America" moving, and helps subdivide the beats. In Metrix, the dotted quarter, dotted quarter, half note keeps the song moving and helps us feel the beat.
I chose "America" from West Side Story. The beat in the back sounds slightly familiar to Metrix even though "America" feels much faster. I liked the change in meter because it adds a feeling of excitement and seems to always be pushing forward yet never speeding. This makes the song very easy to dance to and fun to sing along with.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qy6wo2wpT2k
(note the actual song doesnt start until about 3:00min into the video *shakes fist angrily at youtube*)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ98qac2UIM
ReplyDelete"All You Need Is Love" by the Beatles, is a mixed meter piece that varies from 7/4 to 4/4. It is fairly different from Metrix, its only similarity being the mixed meter aspect. However, the varying signatures keep both songs surprising, interesting, and moving. All You Need Is Love is a great song because it is easy to listen to, relaxing, inspiring, and by one of the greatest bands of all time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePJvainHxdk&feature=related
ReplyDeleteSchönberg Phantasy op. 47 (Wolfgang David, violin)
I think this piece is an extremely accurate example of what one automatically thinks of for “modern” music. It is particularly atonal, seeming the whole time to follow no particular key signature. Schoenburg was one of the first pioneers of this technique at the beginning of the 20th century. He also introduced the use of the twelve-tone technique, which uses all 12 notes on the chromatic scale, as well as defining developing variation, a technique of changing musical motive so all parts of a piece could be tied back to a particular motive. I think this piece in particular, Phantasy Op. 47, gives a definitively discordant feeling. What then makes certain 20th Century, “modern” pieces more appealing to others and how is it related to the techniques used and the decade composed?
"Arnold Schoenberg." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, 23 Aug. 2011. Web. 30 Aug. 2011. .
"Atonality." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, 14 Aug. 2011. Web. 30 Aug. 2011. .
"Developing Variation." The Free Dictionary. Farlex. Web. 30 Aug. 2011. .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTsdXdUvzpE
ReplyDelete"American Salute"
The song I chose is "American Salute" by Morton Gould. It's so energetic and that's similar to Metrix which is also engergetic. They are also both repetitive in their time signatures, but vary the time signatures and pace to keep the energy flowing. American Salute is a classic and appeals to all audiences, who doesn't love the ants go marching. It also appeals to adults who know it as "When Johnny Comes Marching Home." No matter what you call it, it's upbeat and just like Metrix, a great song.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piano_Sonata_No._14_(Beethoven)
ReplyDeleteMoonlight Sonata
Ludwig van Beethoven
I chose moonlight sonata because of the contrast in mixed meter. The first movement is in 12/8 time and the second is in 3/8. The song is well known by one of the most famous composers ever, Ludwig van Beethoven.
(Did you know?)The song was written to convey Beethoven's love for his pupil, a 17-year-old countess (don't worry, he was only in his thirties).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2s3ZH9Qk8c
ReplyDelete"Odd Meter Jazz Music" I had to add this because i did not put this in my first post
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYa7furgQsA
ReplyDeleteFive Step Mashup
This song is similar to Metrix because you can really feel the beat and the change in meter. I like mixed meter because it spices up the song and makes it more interesting. I don't like playing mixed meter as much because it is harder to count i try to follow baseline. Overall I like mixed meter and i think we should play a few more songs like Metrix.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JfUiEpK2uY
ReplyDeleteDrei Klavierstücke, Op. 11 represents an early example of atonality. This is a set of pieces for solo piano. The markings of the pieces are 1. at moderate speed 2. at moderate speed 3. with motive.
The first two pieces are often cited as marking the point at which Schoenberg abandoned the traditional tonality.
The song I chose was Spain by Chick Corea. I chose this song because it is fast and upbeat. At the start of the song the tempo is slow but then the beats picks up speed. During song each player in the ensemble gets a small solo.
ReplyDeleteChick Corea’s real name is Anthony Armando and he started to play the piano at the age of four. Mostly writes jazz music and plays the piano in a jazz band.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS3h-ZEDtvE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc34Uj8wlmE
ReplyDeleteI have chosen another piece by Dave Brubeck called Blue Rondo A La Turk. It is entertaining to listen to because it starts off with a fast tempo right from the get go but eventually slows down into a more jazzy tone and then picks back up again. I think it's similar to Metrix because the percussion part is repetitive and is the same throughout the whole piece.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Vkx1uuXFqM
ReplyDeleteCountdown
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Like "Take 5," the song that Mr. Ames posted, it is by The Dave Brubeck Quartet, who is known for music with unusual key signatures. I think that the key signature is expressed through the percussion instruments.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4p8qxGbpOk
ReplyDeleteAll You Need is Love by the Beatles is a mixed meter piece switching from 4/4 to 3/4 as well as 2/4. It's pace gives it a calm yet happy feeling to it and the song itself is quite fun to listen for hours on end...
James McHale
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbUklDXdH2o&feature=related
ReplyDelete"Take The A Train" by Dave Brubeck, just like "Take 5" is also in mixed meter. Unlike Metrix, this is a jazz piece. It is longer, faster, and much more energetic. "Take The A Train" is a piece that is supported by a percution beat and other instruments (mostly the piano), but also the saxaphone and cello. These instruments come in at different times performing a solo in different time signatures.Mixed music is much more fun to listen to. It has many rhythms and beats that change throughout the music.
I noticed that a lot of people chose music from movies or musicals. What do you think it is about atonal music that makes it fitting in these circumstances?
ReplyDeleteWhen I researched atonal, 20th century music, one name appeared consistently- Arnold Schoenberg. Schoenberg was one of the first composers to use the atonal sound, and he also developed the twelve-tone technique, a method for composing music without using a specific key. An example of is work is Piano Concerto op. 42:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-fyWc6Mpd8
As Margaret and Danny pointed out, atonality seems very common in movie scores. Something had always seemed different to me about movie music, especially those from older black-and-white films. I had never realized that it was atonality, or a lack of a specific key.
Playing in this atonal style will be a challenge for us this year, since we have been conditioned to listen for the proper tuning of more traditional chords and keys. We will have to work hard to develop our ears to accommodate this new sound during our rehearsals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTPG75GXkIo
ReplyDeleteThe piece I chose was composed by Arnold Schoenberg. The music sounds very different and almost seems like there are mistakes. Certain chords never resolve and instruments overlap and don't work well together. Schoenberg was not your traditional composer. He emerged during a time in Germany called the "Expressionism" period. This period focused on using music to communicate anguish and human emotions. Schoenberg was a talented painter and tried to show what he painted in his music. The main thing Schoenberg is known for is his decision to go away from tonality and traditional harmony. He disregarded these completely. The only problem he had with this was that it was exhausting and extremely difficult to write music this way. To solve this problem, he created a new "method of composing with twelve tones which are related only with one another." Schoenberg's system was based more mathematically than musically. Schoenberg was very superstitious and eccentric. He believed that he would die on Friday the 13th. On July 13, 1951, Arnold Schoenberg died unexpectedly. His last word was said to be "harmony."
I have to go off of Alex's comment, Schoenberg was definitely the baton behind atonal/20th century music. Also, because he was referenced in the introduction, he must have some impact on the music community. So with my helpful friends Google, Wikipedia, and Youtube, I learned much about Arnold and 20th century music. Atonal music is music that simply lacks a central tone or key. When I searched Schoenberg, I found the piece: Peripetie
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNCIz-_QFrs
This piece was so cool, I felt like I was in a Harry Potter movie/slasher flick. Danny hit the nail on the head with his observation that atonal scores are often found in movies. It is always cool to realize that a type of music has always been part of your life, especially when you haven't thought about it! GO BAND!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9fwpLN25ns
ReplyDeleteSonata for Violin and Piano in G minor by Debussy. Part 1: Allegro Vivo
This sonata was Debussy’s last piece before he died of cancer and although he never viewed it as complete it is filled with intricacies that make it very unique to him as well as embodying 20th century music. 20th century classical music is most known for its experimentation with tonality as well as it’s combining of many different musical forms, such as romantic-era classical music and jazz. Debussy was one of the most noted composers of this time because of his frequent and unique use of tonality throughout his pieces, seen especially in this sonata. In this movement the piano undergoes several key changes while the violin continues its part on top of it, showing the piece’s and Debussy’s use of bitonality; that is, essentially, composing in two keys. Another marked feature of Debussy’s work also includes sudden key changes without any form of modulation beforehand, as seen in the aforementioned piano part. Despite the dissonance that often occurs with bitonality and the use of the whole tone (another prominent characteristic of his works) Debussy masterfully works it so that the violin and piano synch on certain key chords and phrases, still maintaining the sense of classicality still present during this period in time. Another key aspect of 20th century music is not only experimentation with tonality, but also with rhythmic structure, as seen by the heavy use of hemiolas in the violin part (for the record, the piece is in ¾). Through the piece’s intermingling of dissonance and resolution as well as seemingly competing rhythmic structures as well as melodic structures this piece is a prime example of the experimentation of 20th century music and of Debussy’s original, abstract style that would shape music throughout the century.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMb5Lgl_uMs
ReplyDeleteAlban Berg's Lulu-Suite (1a)
When I listened to this I was moved on how intricate the music was. Alban is known to have brought the most human value to the twelve - tone system. His works are also viewed as more emotional than those of Arnold Schoenberg. I learned that this was part of the opera Lulu. Berg was unable to complete the music for the opera because of his death. Schoenberg was asked to finish the music. Yet, he changed his mind after agreeing because of how involved Berg made the music. He claimed that it was "too time-consuming." Do you think that a person can truly enter human values into music like Berg did with the twelve - tone system? I say yes, but what about you?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LZcMv0H1bI
ReplyDeletePirates of the Caribbean
Klaus Badelt
The very popular theme to the blockbuster movie chain is a very good example of what we are looking for. The song starts off with a bang, throwing a blast of sound at us. The entire orchestra is used in this piece, the percussion, brass woodwinds, and strings. As we move on in the song, towards the middle, it begins to soften. The brass takes over, creating a majestic feeling of royalty, ironic because this was a song for pirates. The song returns to its loud and inspirational beginning with the blast of music coming towards us. This was not the only emotional song that Klaus Badelt composed. He also composed music for popular movies such as Pearl Harbor and The Pledge. Not only does he compose for movies, but he was also the composer of music for the closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. As we can tell, he has not only created a popular and well known song, but also songs that bring true emotion into our lives.
http://youtu.be/JkhX5W7JoWI
ReplyDelete"Money" by Pink Floyd is a mixed meter piece, somewhat like Metrix. Money is different though, because this is more of a classical rock song, which is a lot faster and more upbeat. The song, Money, has some of the same instruments played in Metrix. For example, there is a saxaphone played in the instrumental part. There are also the instruments of guitar, drums, bass, and vocals.
What I find enjoyable about mixed meter songs are that they are different than most songs. I find it very interesting and cool to listen to how different it is from 4/4. I think that playing in 5/4 is going to be a bit challenge for the song Metrix.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-wG5aHiRx0
ReplyDeleteThe song I chose is "Castle on a Cloud" from the musical "Les Miserables". It is sometimes hard to feel that this piece is in mixed meter. This is due to the fact that this piece is performed in a Lento tempo, making it hard to distiquish the transitions from 4/4 to 2/4 to 3/4. Though this song is the exact opposite of Metrix, the both share the fact that they are given an unique and distiquishable feel, due to their mixed meters. Although this song is quite sad, it is a wonderful song that can touch any listener with its calm and beautiful feel. -Clarice S.
So I don't usually listen to many songs in 5/4 meter, probably because I'm accustomed to listening to common time (4/4) songs and when I do, they are songs I don't like because they're not as catchy. But every now and then I do listen to mixed meter pieces.
ReplyDeleteThis song, by Outkast, Hey Ya is actually a mixed meter song that I didn't know was one until I researched it. The song follows a 11/4 meter, something that's really unheard of. A pop song like this is normally found in common time. But this is one exception. It's a song that I'm hooked on even though it's not common time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWgvGjAhvIw&ob=av3e
Playing mixed meter songs now, I've started to get the groove of it. The beats are starting to catch on now. It's different that 4/4 time, but not harder.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmOecBHVhLg
ReplyDeleteI chose the song "Good Morning, Good Moring." By the Beatles. Many of the Beatles songs are written in mixed meter. The song changes from 3/4 to 5/4 and then to 4/4.Like Metrix it is a very upbeat song and fun to listen to. I prefer playing regular meter songs since it is easier to count, although mixed meter songs are energetic and enjoyable to listen to
Julie Pavon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqmid9MlFSw
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Good Morning
By The Beatles
The difference between “Good Morning” and the song we are playing in band is that “Good Morning” includes animal sounds. Also “Good Morning” even has its own guitar solo. What I enjoy is the parts were you can really hear the brass. That’s when you can tell its 5/4.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXOSjm4PelQ
ReplyDeleteA Child of our Time by Michael Tippett
Michael Tippett was a gay composer who had pacifist beliefs, which influenced his music. A Child of our Time expresses his pacifist beliefs. His inspiration came from tragedies happening in 1938. This song consists of a band, orchestra and a choir. It is over an hour long, bringing out the best of his song writing and musical abilities.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwziS2aE6Ww
ReplyDeleteGod Save The Queen is the British national anthem as well as the national anthem for several other countries. It is diffrent from "Metrix" because it has a regal flow to it while metirx is upbeat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_-1qMPDf-A&feature=related
ReplyDeleteFor an example of 20th century music, I chose the piece "Gaspard de la nuit" (which means "Demons of the night" in French) by Maurice Ravel. Since 20th century music was a way for composers to explore music and experiment with different methods in musicality such as atonality, I felt that Ravel's music demonstrates this transtion from the Post-Romantic period to 20th century music. With the piece's three different movements, each is based on a poem and tells a story through music. The movement shown in the video, "Ondine," depicts a water fairy wooing an observer, trying to seduce him into the watery depths of her kingdom. The shimmering opening reflects light ripples upon a calm body of water, and gradually builds into a torrent of notes. I enjoyed listening to the fludity of this piece and hope that our band can play more of these somewhat complex,intricate pieces of the 20th century. As Pat said, "GO BAND!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NbRmz8iIvA
ReplyDeleteIn Richard Saucedo's "American Barndance" there is a mixed meter like the song "Metrix" we are playing during Concert Band. However, they are different because American Barndance changes more frequently in some sections of the piece. The mixed meter of both songs, give an extra underlying beat or pulse that keep the piece moving and make it more unique.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfdVvjdSfTw
ReplyDeleteI chose the song good morning
This song has a mixed meter in it and can get the crowd bumped up it has an upbeat to it and constantly changes tempos and meters in it and is a really a great band
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLGWyfGk_LU
ReplyDelete"All you Need is Love" by the Beatles. This song goes from 7/4 to 4/4 in different parts of the song. This song is like "Metrix" because they're both upbeat songs that have a regular rythem in parts of the song (where it goes to 4/4) but not in the whole song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qeqlg6McDBQ
ReplyDeleteAdolph Herseth plays Mahler No. 5
The Austrian composer Gustav Mahler was one of the most influential and important composers of 20th century modern music. Mahler started playing and learning about music at a young age by listening to all of the music played in his town, such as songs he heard at local festivals and playing the piano at home. Mahler's music draws upon many different influences like sounds from nature and sounds from everyday life. Mahler did this because he believed that "The symphony must be like the world. It must embrace everything." Another interesting and unusual aspect of Mahler's compositions is that they can be almost comical because Mahler sometimes interjects a funny little melody into a movement that is very serious. Also. one techinical musical technique that Mahler uses is that he often utilizes many different keys in a single symphony. I don't know very much about 20th century music and I learned that the 20th century was a time of experimentation and exploring new genres of music, and that the public often rejected composer's new, radical ideas, even though now thier symphonies don't seem radical at all now. I think that many composer's symphonies in the 20th century were probably just as controversial as much popular rap, hip hop, and pop music is today.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ98qac2UIM
ReplyDeleteI chose All You Need Is Love by The Beatles, because throughout the entire piece the time signature changes from 7/4 to 3/4 and even 4/4. The contrast in mixed meter makes this song interesting to listen to and although it is not really similar to "Metrix", both songs are enjoyable to play and the underlying beat keeps the song moving.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt0UuNpUqK4
ReplyDeleteDuel of the Fates
John Williams
This song was composed for Star Wars: Episode I the Phantom Menance, the song was composed in mixed meter for the film by John Williams, in fact many if not all the songs in the films are in mixed meter. That is why I think John Williams is an exellent composer, he composed some of the most memerable music in film history(Darth Vader Theme), and his styles and rythem are unique in each song. This song "Duel of the Fates" went from very calm in the beginning, to becoming very energetic especialy near the end of the song, I like this song slightly better then Metrix. Although I think it is easier to play in single meter songs due to counting,I still would rather play mixed meter songs due to the energetic rythem these songs tend to have.
So I'm a little unclear as to whether or not this is limited to classical so I will talk a bit about both.
ReplyDeleteDuel of the Fates
John Williams
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt0UuNpUqK4
Pretty much one of the most epic pieces of music to ever grace the ears of mere mortals who can't even hold a candle to the pure awesome that is John Towner Williams. The downright undeniability of the pure majesty of this masterpiece begs the question why we have not played this piece yet in band. In addition to this, the fact that John Williams has the most Grammy nominations of any living person is pretty much definitive proof that he is a living legend and therefore we should honor him by playing his music.
This piece has many of the characteristics that we want to achieve as a band. One that comes to mind instantly is the dynamic contrast throughout the piece. It starts off at least forte but then drops down to pianissimo. This alone adds a whole dimension of depth to the piece as the audience starts to feel a tangible sense of tension as the volume continues to build up. This is just one of countless lessons we could learn from this masterpiece.
20th Century music is very closely associated with the experimentation of different kinds of sounds that delve into unexplored areas of music. Two songs that I believe epitomize this experimentation extremely well are the songs Everything in Its Right Place and Idioteque by Radiohead. These two songs (along with the rest of the album, Kid A) contain very outlandish qualities that alienate some, and intrigue others. Much is the same with an atonal composer like Ives; some think that the things that he does in his music are revolutionary while others long for the music of the past. I feel the same can be said for the album Kid A by Radiohead. Some embrace this difference, while others don't. I do believe that this music takes getting used to, but I know from experience that learning to hear all of the nuances in music such as this is very rewarding.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dv_9Oy4W3Ws
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNqv3nHyteM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATOcjUtfQ7s&feature=related
ReplyDeleteThis piece, Pierrot Lunaire, Op. 21, Movement 18, by Arnold Schoenberg, is a small part of a 30-40 minute long melodrama of twenty-one poems. The melodrama, a combination of spoken text and instrumental accompaniment, was a common genre of music at the end of the 19th century.It uses "speech-singing," which, although involves specified pitches, does not sustain the pitches, but instead, allows the words to be rolled off the tongue and accented as they would usually in the regular manner of speech.
Music from this period also used a technique that seemed paradoxical, in which the instrumentalists were playing as an ensemble but as soloists at the same time. In this way, as the music tends to bounce up and down keys in different keys and seem disorganized, so does everything else about the piece as well, including the way that the melodrama is spoken.
@ James McHale
ReplyDeleteDude Im digging your comment. I actually had no idea that "All You Need Is Love" is a mixed meter piece. It actually doesn't sound like one at all which kind of baffles me. AMAZING. I love the song, its very mellow yet something you can jam to, plus I love the woodwind, brass, and string instruments that they added to the recording (in addition to the vocals, guitars, and drums of course). Thank you for enlightening me.
Do you know why they change the key signature so often?
@Jackie Sowa
ReplyDeleteThe only things I know about Tchaikovsky is that he wrote Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Romeo and Juliet. He was always very inspired by Mozart and some other composers. I listened to this piece and I really liked it.
What is the time signature for this piece?
Anton Webern was an extremely innovative student of Arnold Shoenberg. This piece "Symphonie op. 21" sounds very disconnected, yet employs creative methods of unifying it. While I honestly would not ever listen to it for enjoyment, it was very different from thisngs I usually hear. Upon doing some research I found that he was able to break up the 12 tone technique into subcategories and use these to bring the piece together. After seeing how he achieved things like this, the piece had far more meaning to me. I was also impressed with his use of moving around the melody so quickly, which I hadn't seen before. This composer had an incredible understanding of music, and is a great representative of 20th century work.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBf2K4S4Nmk
@Margaret
ReplyDeleteI think atonal music is used a lot in movies and musicals because it adds tension that is fitting during important scenes. No matter what kind of movie you watch, music plays an important role in the background and can actually control your emotions without you really realizing it. If a scene is meant to be the climax of a movie or just suspenseful in general, atonal music will certainly help add to the effect.
@margaret
ReplyDeleteyou make a great point, most of this music does stem from films and pop culture. In todays modern multimedia world, we use music as a tool to enhance our experience. That is why famous songs come with other forms of media. We being to associate these pieces of media together until they are forever linked. That is what a modern audience demands, so that is what they are given.
@Cory Franco Braxton
ReplyDeleteI like the song you chose because it is something that almost everyone can relate to, everyone I know has seen star wars. John Williams is an excellent song writer and has made many great songs including this theme to star wars The Phantom Menace. It is a great example of mixed meter. Thank you for such a great example.
@JD
ReplyDeleteWe should definitely have an all Star Wars Themed Pops Concert. It would be epic.
@bobby and john
ReplyDeleteseconded. my pulse started racing just thinking about it. id even play french horn for it
It looks like all of a sudden I can post again. Please post your second submission by Tuesday at 11:59 PM. A response to one of your peers.
ReplyDeleteAmes
@Levs Juarez
ReplyDeleteWhy don't you think mixed meter music is catchy? i think it can be really catchy and easy to "grove to"
I agree with Alex, Margaret, Pat, and Danny when they say that atonal music is very common in movie scores. I think this is because movie music is meant to convey the emotions of the characters. Characters are not always happy, which is why atonal (off-tone) music is heard frequently in movies.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYes, I completely agree with Mary Grace, Bobby, and Tommy when they say that atonality, a common characteristic in a lot of 20th century music, is used in scores of movies to create certain effects and emotions. When I think of atonality in movies, I tend to think of movies that involve some type of horror and mystery. I feel that atonality is most used to create either suspense or a sense of unknowing that can cause fear. What do you guys think? And are there any specific examples that you can think of with atonality in movies?
ReplyDelete@Matt Cormier
ReplyDeleteJohn Serry's "Upstart" is such a great piece! I would agree with Matt when he says that Serry really changed/adapted well to the world's changing interest in music. In this song, you can hear a lot of traditional jazz components, but you can also hear a lot of "New-Age" Jazz coming into play in this song. Great choice Matt!!!
@Meghan Caluris
ReplyDeleteI thought that the soundtrack from Inception creates the effect you have described perfectly. Like Mike Pins said, the "falling" sound clearly conveys the fear felt by the main characters and continues throughout the whole movie. In addition, the strong brass section gives me the jist of the whole movie, and modern atonal soundtracks.
Julie Pavon,
ReplyDeleteI love your blog post, and understand why you like to play 'regular' meter songs. I completely agree with your statement on how upbeat the song is. Do the Beatles have any other songs in multiple/ various meter signatures?
Emma(Wojnicks), Yes the Beatles do have other songs with mixed meter, for example "All i need is love." is mixed meter. I like your song choice of America..i was going to do that song too, but i didnt want to copy you. Do you think America would be as enjoyable to listen to if it wasnt mixed meter.
ReplyDelete@matt Grande you said you also chose a Beatles song, do you think all their mixed meter songs are enjoyable to listen to?
-Julie P.
@Danny M. I must say, John Williams is one of the greatest composers of all time, if someone was to play a piece of the Star Wars Soundtrack in a random room full of people at least half of the room would recognize it as Star Wars. "The Forest Battle" was an exellent example of mixed meter and I think it was a good choice.
ReplyDelete@ Clarice,
ReplyDeletei really liked your song choice because there are tons of mixed meter pieces that no one even knows are in mixed meter and castle on a cloud is one of them. do you think the song would have sounded as beautiful if it wasnt in mixed meter?
@ Lukas Lesny
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post. Good Morning is one of my favorite Beatles songs. I had never realized that the song was in 5/4. That's pretty cool. Do you know of any other Beatles songs that in strange time signatures?
@ Cory Franco Braxton
ReplyDeleteCory, I loved your choice because not only do I love Star Wars but John Williams is great! This is one of my favorite pieces mainly because of Qui-Gon Jinn but also because it's such an inspirational piece. It builds up suspense and keeps you on your toes. This piece is epic and fits perfectly with the duel. We definitely need to play this song for band. It's easily one of my favorite themes and I am sure many others enjoy it. Cory, I couldn't have picked a better piece.
@Sarah Choate
ReplyDeleteThe Beatles is one of my favorite bands and I have listened to this so many times when I was younger. I don't think I ever noticed the time signature before.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGs3yz0Pmhc
ReplyDeleteThe song I chose is "The Incredibles." The composer of this song is Michael Giacchino who is an American composer who has worked on movies, television series and video games. Movies such as Mission: Impossible III, Cloverfield, Up, Super 8, Star Trek and Ratatouille. This piece applies upbeat jazz orchestral sounds throughout. Concerning the music of the 20th century, I did not know there can be different styles of techniques used to cover a composition.
@Ian Pappas
ReplyDeleteI find this piece very amusing. In the beginning it starts out slow and soft but towards the middle and ending the piece gradually speeds up with an array of notes. I agree with its ominousness and expectation throughout the beginning of the song!
@ Danny M
ReplyDeleteI agree with your choice of choosing John Williams. He is possibly the greatest composer of our time. He has created so much music that is known around the world and is deserving of much praise.
I also agree with Jenny C. and Ola Z., The Beatles having created such great songs that are popular to this day. They create such great emotions and help lighten up the day.
ReplyDelete@ Jackie S:)
ReplyDeleteI honestly never listened to the song money in relation to 5/4 meter, but now that I've listened to it again I understand where your coming from. I also
Agree with you about the saxophone, vocal, and drums in the instrumental version. They mesh together very well. This was a good song to be used as an example for a 5/4 meter.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4p8qxGbpOk
ReplyDeleteI did the song All you need is love by the beatles and i think this is a mixed meter piece because i hear a 4/4 and a 7/4 and also 3/4 and i think the song is upbeat and fun to listen to.
P.s. I already did this, it just did not let me post it
Also @Julie pavon i do think the songs are very enjoyable to listen to because they are good songs and upbeat and fun.
@Julie you picked also another song from the beatles. Do you think that your song Good morning Good morning is better than my song and if so why?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QF0PxroEcZw
ReplyDeleteWhen doing research on atonal composers of the 20th century I decided that I would like to kick it back a little bit and pick a bit more of an old school composer who was born in 1881 in Hungary and died in 1945 in New york. His name is Béla Bartók. I find it interesting that a great portion of what he wrote was folk music. It was his specialty. I really like the fact that this composer worked really hard to gather folk songs of small villages and peasants and the lower class and create so much more out of them. Although this song does not strike me as hungarian folk music, the listener can definatly feel a story being told throughout the various tempo, meter and tone changes throught the piece. A change that cought me was thoughout the 7th minute of the song. The song was moving rapidly and had a more direct and light footed tone and then in the 7th minute it almost takes a dark turn. The tone looses some of the brightness that it had previously and appears to have a more determined way of moving as it approaches the end of the song. Hes a pretty interesting and cool guy and he just so happens to be considered as one of the most important composers of the 20th century.
Lara Antonello
Symphonic Band
@ Lara I agree there is a definite story being told here and I also like the mixture of folk songs put together. The clip I this URL connected me to was only 4 minutes long, not 7, but what was played did have a lighter, happier feeling.
ReplyDelete@Mikey
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that Go save the Queen is very regal paced, and that makes it different to Metrix. But what other countries use the song at their National Anthem besides England, like you said.
@Julia,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your comment that mixed meter adds complexity and makes the piece interesting. I also like your choice of Pirates of the Caribbean for a mixed meter piece. Do you think that Pirates of the Caribbean wouldn't have been as popular if it wasn't written with mixed meter?
Nally,
ReplyDeleteI can see why you would never listen to this song for enjoyment; it was kind of bringing me down. I was wondering if you could explain what it means to "break up the 12 tone technique into subcategories." I honestly have no idea what that means, but I would love hear your answer.
@walbert
ReplyDeletei definatly like the song you picked... the incredibles is a classic movie. I never really payed attention to the layers within the song before. I really like the fact the they did make it a bit more jazzy! do you think that the change of style was executed in a way that preserved the style of the original song? I think so :)
Good Morning Good Morning
ReplyDeleteThe Beatles
This is a great mixed meter piece because of all the different parts and effects added in. There are animal sounds mixed in with the mixed meter brass parts and a cool guitar solo (by Paul). It's a groovy tune and also it's very interesting to listen to. I love it being that it's the Beatles and also because it really gives you a great, happy feeling.
When we think of great music of the twentieth century, we most often recall multimedia events such as movies associated with these works. Out of all movie score composers, none is better the John Williams. For nearly 40 years John Williams has dominated movie music. His wide range of scores include Jaws, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Fiddler On the Roof, Superman and Jurassic Park. The man went through a nine year span where he won an Academy Award every year. His dominance in his field is remarkable and godly.
ReplyDeleteOut of all of his works perhaps my favorite is the Indiana Jones Theme ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pNlMgH2p-Y ). This theme uses trumpets (to whom I have a major bias) to effectively praise Indiana Jones as a hero of the middle ages. Yet because of it's slightly off tempo rolling movement, it gives Jones a sense of adventure and danger. The song praises Jones as a hero, yet retains his Bear Grilles sense of adventure.
At 1:57, John Williams uses a slightly different theme on the tune to create an upbeat moving sense of adventure. This segment of the piece has been used particularly with chase scenes. Using the music with the film, Williams makes the viewers heart race at a higher pace to increase interaction with the film. By involving the viewers more with the movie, Williams also brings them closer to his music. This technique and others are what make John Williams truly special.
Later at 2:13, Williams once again changes the style to a deep romantic piece. This section of the music combines deep frantic love with a sense of awe and wonder. At the parts of the movie where this music is played, Jones is often falling in love or make deep passionate love. It is ironic then that the sense of awe, usually associated with treasure, is seen with Jones' women. In fact, Williams is showing us how the true treasure in Jones' life isn't the riches he finds but the women of his life. These and other deep underlinings add an entire new labor to all the films that Williams does.
John Williams is one of a kind. His work in the Indiana Jones series and other movies is that of legends. His creative uses of his music add more to a variety of films and other multimedia forms. The guy has even done the theme for the Olympics. John Williams is the best musical composer the world has ever seen.
@ Margaret,
ReplyDeleteI just realized that we posted the same piece! Did you see that other piece by Schoenberg, called Pierrot Lunair No. 8 Nacht? Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6LyYdSQQAQ It's REALLY creepy, and the music is all over the place. It also is a good example of atonal music, I think. I feel like it's the sort of music you'd hear on the show, The Haunting.
Why do you think Pierrot Lunaire, Op. 21, Movement 18 is the most influential of Schoenberg's pieces?
Jenna Bagley
ReplyDelete@Sal
@Emma
I agree with both Sal and Emma in their choice of "America" from West Side Story. It is very modern and has a good beat that makes you want to move your feet. The transition between 6/8 and 3/4 contributes to this.
I like how Ian described "October Night" by Michael Burritt. Ian said the beginning of this atonal piece was chaotic, but has a consistent underlying melody. Burritt cleverly title his piece "October Night" because it makes me envision an autumn night. I can imagine a chaotic fall night with gusting winds, chilling temperatures, and changing colors. Yet, there is a sense of serenity to an October night which parallels the piece's hidden melody. Wonderful pick Ian! I enjoyed your insightful comments!
ReplyDelete@Cory Braxton
ReplyDeleteExcellent choice for a mixed meter song. Duel of the Fates in Star Wars is a great well-known song. Although, mixed meter songs do not tend to be more energetic than single meter songs. The songs being up beat has to do with the composer not the meter. There is a reason why John Williams’ songs are well known. Also, your statement with single meter music being easer to play due to counting is true. But keep in mind that single meter music can be just as hard to play as mixed meter.
@Dominic & Amy
ReplyDeleteYeah, I've heard 15 Step before and its beat is easy to hear and recognizable. For me, I usually hear the beats of the bass or the piano in the songs to help me hear the rythem.
What instrument helps you hear the groove of this song?
@ Danny M.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. In movies in the moderen age, the music is usually there to create feelings for the listener. For example, the music is very atonal in horror films to create the feeling of suspense and uncertinty. This kind of music can help convey the meaning that both the composer and the director are feeling and are trying to convey to the listener/watcher. Do you agree Severin?
Why yes John, I do agree. In a similar way, composers try to create an uplifting mood for movie music if it's, for example, a happy ending to a chick flick. And even if it's not a movie, music is almost always an expression of the composer's thoughts, which are often better placed in music than in words. Atonality could represent confusion, chaos, anger, anything of that sort - so apparently a lot of 20th century composers were angry and confused. Either that, or they were trying to start a revolution in music that would reshape future compositional techniques. What do you think, next poster?
ReplyDelete@Henry
ReplyDeleteTchakoivsky is a very wild and unusual composer. i listened to this song and found it very rythmical. One of my favorite Christmas songs is The Nutcracker.
@Jyckle
ReplyDeleteI like 30 seconds to mars, but I think you needed to compare you choice to Metrix a little more. The description is quite specific in detail and very true.
Smiles and dead frogs,
Andrew Amesbury
@Julie
ReplyDelete@Alexi
@Lucas
I agree that Good morning Good morning is a good example of mixed meter music and is played by one of the most popular bands of all time.
Jackie Zondlo, in response to your question, I do think that a person can truly enter human values into music like Berg did with the twelve - tone system. I listened to the piece and I thought that it was an interesting little piece with some dark undertones. I could totally feel what you were saying about the piece being pretty emotional. I got that. I also did a bit of research on the twelve - tone system. It's quite intricate and it was influential on composers in the mid-twentieth century. Nice blog post Jackie Zondlo!
ReplyDelete@ Nichols(response to Nichols' comment)
ReplyDeleteGod Save The Queen is the national or royal anthem of the United Kingdom(as previously stated), New Zealand, Antigua and Barbuda,Australa, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize,Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kits and Nevis, and Tuvalu
@ Danny martin
ReplyDeleteAre there any other songs in Star Wars that are mixed meter?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qE2Vdcv9Q_o&feature=player_embedded#!
ReplyDeleteI chose the song "Happiness is a Warm Gun" because this complicated song,involved various different time signatures, the 6/8 middle section was made more convoluted by Ringo continuing to drum in 4/4. I like this song because it is truely a warm song, hence the title. This is the first time i have played 5/4 and its hard for me, but i think once you get it down it sounds good!
@Lil Amesbury
ReplyDeleteThat was the wrong assignment on my part, (I don't even know what Metrix is) but thanks for the advice :)
@everyone who wrote about atonal music
I agree with most of you but I think Pat Sammon summed it up the best, I also can't figure out why it sounds so good in that music, but so... interesting in ours.(I'm sure we'll get there eventually :) Thanks to all of you for the introduction into a new type of music.
Smiles and LIVE Frogs,
John Pasquesi
@Jackie Zondlo ('cause she's my bestie)
ReplyDeleteYes, Jackie. I think people do put emotion into the music they write. I think (unless you are writing a song such as 'hot crossed buns') you have to put some type of emotion into your music to give it flavor and meaning. It is nearly impossible to not add personal feelings in music! Also it looks like @Jon Santiago agrees with me, and
@Danny M doesn't only have ginger hair, but also should play french horn again! Do it ginge, for the band. One band, one sound. You know?
@ Michal D
ReplyDeleteThanks for being the only one to comment on my post :)
@Michelle Ricolcol
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed Michelle's example of mixed meter music because it is a different sound with the underlying beat throughout. The 9/8 meter signature exemplifies the mixed meter feel to the piece, even more so than 3/4 or 5/4. The downbeat seems slightly off if you are not accustomed to listening to mixed meter music, but it still sets a groove to the song and also keeps the interesting rhythms moving.
Oh Jon Santiago, of course you would choose a song that involved the color red. Well, in response to your question, I believe that yes, other composers have been thought of as "old-fashioned." Yet, the term "old-fashioned" can mean many different things depending on a person's taste in music. From the tone, to the technique, and even to the instruments used can affect one's idea of what "old-fashioned" is. Throughout the song, the "glittering, and spiky" that you mentioned really shined right through. It was marvelous. The concept of colors is also intriguing. It truly blew my mind. Amazing how something so simple like colors can become so intense and intricate. Bravo Jon Santiago. Beaaauuutifull work.
ReplyDelete@JO'Brien
ReplyDeleteI believe that The Beatles have a song called "All I Need is Love". The key signature changes frequently so it is hard to decide what the key signature is. At first, I thought it was just one key signature but after listening to it a couple of times you can hear the difference within the song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxYfQnXPVcc
ReplyDeleteThe Crunge
Led Zeppelin
The Crunge is played in the unusual key signature of 9/8, but also switches to 4/4. The song is a sort of spin-off of the funk genre, but proves very hard to tap your foot to because of the strange 9/8 time. As for playing in mixed meter time in Metrix, I find it very challenging but challenging in a good way, as it is something I have never done before.
@Lukas Lesny
ReplyDeleteI never knew that "Good Morning Good Morning" wasn't in 4/4. I guess I never gave it a thought, but looking back I guess I should have realized it. Are other Beatles songs in strange time signatures?
@ LiL' Amesbury
ReplyDeleteHey i really like your blog post because it brings in one of the best composers of all time Beethoven. I also really like your "Did you know" fact very interesting.
@Rosie
ReplyDeleteThe link you posted was spooky! Schoenberg's pieces are definitely abnormal.
In response to your question, I think that Pierrot Lunaire was one of his most influential pieces because it is so different: the instrumentalists are soloists, yet they play as an orchestra; it is both a drama and a concert piece; the woman sings a male role; and the voice shifts between first and third persons.
@ LIL' AMESBURY
ReplyDeleteI never knew there was even a time signature such as 12/8! I really enjoyed your selection of mixed meter music, because it was easy to recognize and notice the changes throughout the piece. All of the frequent changes make the piece so much more interesting and lively! However, it seems very difficult to play, because the rhythym is so unique and hard to tap your foot to. Wouldn't you agree? Also, I had no idea that Beethoven composed this song for a 17-year old countess!
@ Julie Pavon
ReplyDeleteI don't like to play mixed meter songs either. I know of two songs the Beatles did that were in mixed meter but did they do any other songs in mixed meter?
Comment on Mary Grace's question.
ReplyDeleteI think preety is a vague word to describe 20th century music. In my opinion a better word would be, dramatic or moody. The reason being is that 20th century music greatly reflected upon the time period. For example, the 20th century included the roaring 20's, two World Wars, and the great Deppression. The music of the tim reflected upon prosperity, war, hope, deppression, poverty, and the human struggle.
Luis Lorenzo
@Levs Juarez
ReplyDeleteI never realized that Hey Ya by Outkast would be a mixed meter piece. I find it very interesting how a pop song like that is in 11/4 time, and not in 4/4. Do you think that Outkast ever had another mixed meter song? And that song choice was awesome to chose. :)
@Mike P
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your comment that song is very intense and adds a lot of suspense to the movie. I really enjoy the duhhh part too.
@Kristen
ReplyDeleteI think it may still have been a beautiful piece, but it would have been very bland. I think the having the piece in mixed meter makes it flow smoothly and making it more interesting to listen to
also @ Kristen. There is a feel of pwoer surrounding this piece. o you think this piece would have been more powerful or less powerful if it had been written in only one meter? Also, what meters is this song written in?
@ Megan H.
ReplyDeleteI think your analysis of the piece is wholly accurate. It sounds incredibly atonal and dissonant for the most part, however, the dissonance disappears briefly about 2 minutes in with the music still sounding atonal. As to what is 20th century music, I personally view it as music that is pushing the boundaries of melodic and dissonant sounds in a somewhat classical style. I think that that is why some people actually enjoy 20th century music and why it might be more appealing to others than say, a Ke$sha song; it's complex and different, probably overflowing with chromatic modulations and chords. It might not be pleasant to listen to per say, however, it's a feast for the intellect and that's why people might be drawn to it. More so, the 20th century was a time of great change in the U.S. as well as abroad and the techniques used in composing music (hemiolas, atonality etc) reflect those changes and the desire to move away from the standard classical music form and to incorporate themes and elements of the music of their times, such as jazz music, while still paying respect to the Romantic period of music.
@ Megan Hussey
ReplyDeleteI really like your example, Schönberg Phantasy op. 47 (Wolfgang David, violin). As you described, it follows no particular key signiture the whole time, but this piece itself is still amusing and dramatic. Also, it's interesting how Schonberg uses twelve-tone technique. In addition, I don't usually like the sound of violin, because of its annoyinh high notes. But it is pretty cool how the violinist plays this piece and i could actually watch this video couple times. Thanks :)
@ Bobby
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. John Williams is the greatest composer of music for movies. I've seen Indiana Jones hundreds of times, and the theme song is one of the most rememerable parts about it.
@ John Dombrowski
ReplyDeleteI agree with your last point about Ives. Just like certain types of food, I think atonal music can be an "acquired taste" for some. I know it will take me personally some time before the Ives piece, especially the multiple key signature section starts to sound right and correct to me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFMNhx2-VDE
ReplyDeleteThis Etude by Rachmaninoff is known as "Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf." This piece is very aggressive and has a daunting sound. At first it starts of with chromatic octave runs in the lower register which starts of the piece sounding threatening. The piece continually grows hectic as the tempo gets faster and finally in the end it sounds out of control. The piece ends in chromatic runs which are supposed to symbolize Little Red Riding Hood getting eaten whole by the Wolf. Rachmaninoff was known for high intensity pieces like this one with lots of atonal sounds. He is one of the more famous 20th Century composers.
@Johnny D
ReplyDeleteI agree with John's post about the Duel of Fates. He hit on all the key points about how this piece creates lots of tension with the use of dynamics. To add on to John's comments about how the piece builds up tension by using lots of half cadences and non-chord tones. Just some AP music theory knowledge I learned from last year I thought I would share in order for a better understanding of the piece.
On a side note if we were to actually play this piece in band, perhaps for the Pops Concert, I feel that John and I would be the perfect performers to reenact the intense scene from Star Wars in front of the audience while the band is playing in the background.
@ Megan Hussey
ReplyDeleteHi Megan. I really liked the Schoenberg piece you chose for an example of 20th century music. The piece is a great example of atonality and I thought it was really interesting how in the piece the violin barely sounds like a violin at all. To me the discordant and sometimes screeching sounds of the violin conveyed feelings and moods of sadness, fear, or happiness we often feel in our everyday lives. I find it very interesting that many 20th century composers draw their inspiration from real life sounds and from their personal experiences.
Also..
ReplyDelete@Megan H.
Did you enjoy listening to the Schoenberg piece? Because when I listened to it I though it was an interesting concept, but I would never listen to the piece for enjoyment.
@Megan
ReplyDeleteSchönberg Phantasy op. 47 (Wolfgang David, violin)
I really like the stlye and the tecniques that are used in the piece but I am not sure how this can represent the 20th century music genre.
But great piece!
@ Clarice
ReplyDeleteThe song is in like 8/6 or 4/3 or something like that, when i googled it, it gave me all these different time sigs so i went with it because most often i saw a mixed meter time sig.
As for your first question, i definitely think the impact of this piece is stronger because of the power for shore. If it were written in only one meter, the pace would be too constant for the reaction to be a good one.
also @ Clarice For Castle on a Cloud, the lyrics are beautiful and the instrumental is awesum. So i was wondering, do you think the instrumental makes the piece or do you think the lyrics make the piece?
@ Sarah Choate
ReplyDeleteThe Beatles are a great group and the song you chose was awesum!
Do you think the song would sound the same if it weren't in mixed meter?
@Danny Martin
ReplyDeleteJohn Williams great choice and a great composer. I like how to song starts slower and then it becomes light and fast.
Jack
Sorry Mr. Ames I could not find the assignment and I also forgot.
In the first selection, the drums started out slower, then became fast, then very soft and then fast again. In the second, they were backing up the other instruments
ReplyDeletei like the first one better then the second one because it sounds happier and what i really like about it is the guy who plays the sax. I also like the second one but not as much as i like the first but i really like tubas.
ReplyDelete